Skinny Spice: New Study Finds Cinnamon Aids Weight Loss

About six days a week, my breakfast consists of Grape Nuts, fruit, and Greek yogurt sprinkled with cinnamon. The sweet spice is satisfying, tasty, and perfect for the late fall and early winter, and now, according to a new study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, its fat-releasing power also seems promising.

The study, titled—deep breath— “Effect of Ground Cinnamon on Postprandial Blood Glucose Concentration in Normal-Weight and Obese Adults” examined the effects cinnamon had on glucose levels after participants had a meal. One group ate instant farina cereal served with six grams of ground cinnamon while the others’ meals consisted of cereal without the spice. Though the sample size was small, cinnamon-decked cereal eaters showed significant reductions in their blood glucose levels 15, 30, 60 and 120 minutes after eating. Not too bad for a little spoonful of that unique sweet, woody seasoning!

I asked nutritionist Tara Ostrowe, RD, MS, of Columbia University and the team nutritionist for the New York Giants, what she thought of these findings. She admits that the participant pool of 40 people is small, and further research must be done. But she also added to my excitement: “Cinnamon really is the new skinny food,” said Ostrowe. “Scientists already credit cinnamon in helping lower blood sugar concentration and improve insulin sensitivity. When less sugar is stored as fat, this translates to more help for your body when it comes to weight loss.”

I think I might just sprinkle some of the bittersweet spice on my curry for dinner!